Redemption

Chapter Eighteen: The Journey

The next morning Micah woke me up at the crack of dawn.

"Alexis? Alexis, wake up. We need to get ready to go," he said.

I let out a groan of frustration, and opened one eye to see that it was still pitch-black outside.

"What time is it?" I croaked.

"Just before five."

"It's too early!" I complained, pulling a pillow over my head. It had been the first time I had slept in a real bed for days. I wasn't ready to give that up and get back to roughing it on the road.

"The earlier we leave, the sooner we'll get to Kapanathy," Micah said, yanking the blanket off of me. I cursed at him and curled up as the cold air hit me. "I'll leave you alone to get dressed, but we need to leave in ten minutes," Micah said, walking into the hallway and closing the door behind him.

I unwillingly dragged myself out of bed, knowing that there was no point in arguing with this stubborn lunatic. I emerged from the bedroom a few minutes later, my backpack placed securely on my shoulders as I tried to stifle a yawn.

"Ready?" he asked, grabbing his duffel bag.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I mumbled.

We were about to walk out the front door when Fletcher entered the room, Otis trailing joyfully behind him. Fletcher was dressed in faded blue jeans and a dark gray overcoat. He wore a black fedora, and was carrying several army green satchels.

"Not leaving without us, I hope," he said with a large smile.

An awkward silence filled the air. Micah cleared his throat awkwardly.

"I'm sorry, Fletcher, but you can't come with us. It's too dangerous," Micah said, shaking his head.

"I have to agree with Micah," I said.

Fletcher had been kind enough to take in the refugees, to let us eat his food and stay the night, but we couldn't ask him to further risk his life.

Fletcher smiled. "I know I don't look like much, but I've taken on my fair share of Malin."

Micah and I looked at one another, still unsure.

Fletcher's face tightened at our words and his eyes hardened with resolve. "I appreciate what you are doing, but stop. I'm a grown man, and I make my own decisions. Besides, I have thirty years of experience over the two of you. We all know it would be in your best interest for me to tag along."

I glanced at Micah, who looked torn. "It would definitely help to have your knowledge. But, Fletcher, you can't even step foot in Tueri. You were banned. What are you going to do once we get there?"

"Maybe the Council will reconsider once we get there," I suggested.

Micah scoffed. "The protectors don't see things that way. All they see is that Brianne turned to the dark side, and died as a result. In their minds, it's Fletcher's fault because he was supposed to guide and protect her."

"That's ridiculous. He had no control over her emotions. We'll just have to make them understand," I said, crossing my arms in defiance. Micah rolled his eyes at the futility of my words.

"Fine, Fletcher, you can join us," he said. "But I won't be able to help you much out there. You know the protector's code." Micah glanced at me wearily through his peripherals.

Fletcher took a step forward and placed a hand on Micah's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Yes, I know the code. And if it comes down to protecting me or her, I would always want it to be her, even if you hadn't taken the vow. We both know how important she is, Micah," he said, meeting my gaze.